Dexter, Missouri - The annual CTA Retirement Tea was held on Thursday, April 28th with seven teachers retiring from Dexter Public Schools.  In all, these seven teachers will end their teaching career with 193 years of service.  Teachers honored were Sherry Chance, June Lawrence, Ramona Lemons, Shannon Putnam, John Stephens, Shari Stickles, and Debra Thrower.  (Each teacher will have their own article and a description of their years of service in education).

John Stephens began his teaching career in 1986 at Caruthersville, Missouri teaching 8th Grade English and coaching football and track.  After teaching in Caruthersville for 12 years, Mr. Stephens received the opportunity to move to his hometown of Dexter and teach the overflow English classes of 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

During his tenure at Dexter, he taught High School English, a dramatic reading/literature class, coached Middle School football and track, then settled into 8th grade English.

Other than teaching and coaching Mr. Stephens is known for being the author of over 17 Madrigal Scripts that were written specifically for performances at madrigal dinners by the Dexter High School and Middle School choirs.

He retires with 30 career years of teaching experience.

"The Dexter Public Schools commend them for their dedication and service to educating all the students they have come in contact with over the many years," commented Rick Williams, Dexter School Board President.  "We appreciate their service."